Julius
BoyLatin· “Roman family name; often said youthful”
- Meaning
- Roman family name; often said youthful (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- JOOL-yuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #424
- US babies 2025
- 759
- Best rank
- #88 (1883)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Julius
Julius is often said to mean “Roman family name; often said youthful”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Latin roots.
Julius was the name of an ancient Roman family, the gens Julia, whose most famous member was Gaius Julius Caesar. Its origin is uncertain. It is often said to mean youthful or downy-bearded, from a Greek word for the first beard, and some scholars link it to Jupiter. The month of July is named in Caesar's honor, and Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar made the name familiar to generations of readers. Julius has a stately, classical air and is enjoying renewed interest. Jules and Jude are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Julius has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #88 in 1883, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 1,416 were named Julius. In 2025, 759 babies were named Julius, and it ranked #424 nationally. That is 34% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #125 in 1920, #301 in 1950, #352 in 1980, #484 in 2000, #335 in 2010, and #424 in 2025. Of the 84,628 US boys named Julius since records began, 13% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 10,193 babies. Since 2010, 15,298 more have been named Julius.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Wilson, Irving, Ben, Morris, and Wilbur.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Julius ranked highest in Rhode Island, New Mexico, and New Hampshire.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #217 | 5 |
| New Mexico | #224 | 9 |
| New Hampshire | #251 | 5 |
| California | #295 | 125 |
| Massachusetts | #302 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Julius is usually pronounced JOOL-yuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Julius
A few middle names that flow with Julius: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Julius
Similar names
Lists that include Julius
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Julius mean?
Julius is often said to mean “Roman family name; often said youthful”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Julius?
Julius has Latin roots. Julius was the name of an ancient Roman family, the gens Julia, whose most famous member was Gaius Julius Caesar.
Is Julius a popular name?
Yes. Julius ranked #424 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Julius a boy or girl name?
Julius is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Julius?
Julius is usually pronounced JOOL-yuhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings